FORT MYERS, Fla. -- It's a busy time of year out on the water whether it be the river, gulf, or bay.
With the recent case of boaters who went missing Wednesday it’s even more important to stay safe.
“Safety stuff, I like to have a good time but I am extremely safety cautious, ” said Captain Joe Lanktree, Pure Florida.
Captain Lanktree takes groups of people out on the water every day, and makes sure his passengers know where the life vests, fire extinguishers and safety floats are located before heading out.
“The best thing I can say is have local knowledge. It’s key down here,” said Captain Joe.
Captain Joe says he sees boats grounded frequently on the river because of the shallow water. “The channel is anywhere from 9 to 22 feet. Well guess what, if you go 50 feet this way or 50 feet that way you might be in a foot of water,” said Captain Joe.
He also says to make sure your boat has a GPS and VHF marine radio, which connects you to other boaters and the U.S. Coast Guard and dockmasters.
According to the latest statistics from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there were 766 boating accidents across the state of Florida, and 90 of those accidents were with inexperienced operators.
Captain Joe says it’s important for less experienced boaters to ask questions and have a float plan. “In my eyes you are wanting to be safe, you are putting less people at risk, your putting yourself at less risk," said Captain Joe.
FWC encourages boaters to take a safety course but it is not required unless the vessel has 10 horsepower or greater.
In the state of Florida if you were born on or after January 1, 1988 you only need a driver’s license to rent a boat.
